10 Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Summer!

As we prepare for a hot summer, protecting our skin from the sun is paramount. However, the sunscreen we choose can have unintended consequences, particularly for delicate ecosystems like coral reefs and the species that inhabit them. The growing awareness of coral bleaching and reef degradation has led to a spotlight on reef-safe sunscreen. So, we’ve gathered some top options for you to protect your skin and the environment.

1. Blue Lizard

Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen offers robust SPF 50+ protection with zinc oxide, catering to sensitive skin with fragrance-free formulation and water-resistant coverage. Equipped with Smart Cap Technology, this 3 oz. tube ensures UV defense remains at its peak, priced at $13.36.

One Amazon customer said, “I originally purchased this sunscreen because my family was vacationing in the Virgin Islands, where reef-safe sunscreen is required by law. I’m glad I did because I love it and use it every day now. It goes on nicely, a little goes a LONG way, and it doesn’t leave a white cast. I hope all sunscreens move toward eliminating the chemicals that are banned in the USVI, but no matter what, I will continue to use Blue Lizard!”

2. Sun Bum

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray presents a vegan, Hawaii 104 Reef Act-compliant formula, devoid of octinoxate and oxybenzone, ensuring broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Infused with Vitamin E for moisturization, this 6 oz. spray is $17.46.

Kelli Hall said, “HSA approved and reef safe. Headed to the Cayman Islands so we stocked up. We have used Sun Bum brand before and it seems to help us not turn into lobster. We like the spray better than lotion, although we use both.”

3. COOLA

COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray boasts dermatologist-tested organic ingredients, free from gluten and fragrances, providing daily skin protection. Priced at $19.60, this vegan-friendly spray ensures broad-spectrum coverage.

One reviewer said, “Fits in the liquid bag. Used daily for 18 of the 20 days I was in Mexico. Ran out at 18 days, your mileage may vary. Didn’t burn at the beach or high altitude.
Note, it doesn’t feel like there’s anything in the can, no liquid sloshing when you shake it. But there is plenty there! Would buy again for travel, I prefer spray sunscreen for better protection.”

4. Sunscreen in the Raw

Sunscreen in the Raw Reef Safe Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50, compliant with Mexico & Hawaii 104 Reef Act, is a biodegradable formula enriched with zinc and Vitamin E. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, this water-resistant lotion, priced at $14.40, offers natural ingredients for eco-conscious travelers.

Caroline Da Silva said, “It goes on smoothly and it feels nice on the skin. I like the clip design to add to my beach bag so it’s easy to re-apply often without having to search for it in the bag. It’s about the size of my hand. I also bought the stick one because it’s easy to apply on the kids’ faces. They are easy to spread and don’t leave the skin looking white.”

5. Supergoop!

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, with SPF 40, is an invisible shield against harmful rays, suitable for all skin types and tones. Priced at $38.00 for 1.7 fl oz., this weightless, scentless, oil-free formula promises broad-spectrum face protection, ideal for daily wear year-round.

Danielle Parker said, “This has been a nice addition to my daily skincare routine. I have been looking for a facial sunscreen that doesn’t feel too thick, greasy, or hard to rub in without leaving a white residue. This sunscreen fits the bill. I haven’t had a chance to test it out on a highly sunny day yet, but I really love how light it feels on my skin. The sunscreen rubs into the skin really easily and goes on smooth and covers the face and neck easily. It feels like a little goes a long way. I was also happy to see it is colorless so I don’t have to deal with the annoying white streaks that can be hard to rub in with some SPFs. I plan on getting a second one to keep in my purse for reapplication throughout the day.”

6. Florida Glow

Florida Glow SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, compliant with Hawaii 104 Reef Act and Florida Keys regulations, offers water-resistant, child-friendly protection. Priced at $22 for a 2-pack, this oxybenzone and octinoxate-free spray ensures broad-spectrum coverage.

Grace said, “This product smells wonderful and is safe for reefs. Me and my husband plan on taking it with us to Jamaica next month and I’m excited about our trip and our choice of sunscreen. I’m happy it’s safe for the reefs and smells so good and it also feels great on your skin! It settles on your skin so well and since I break out so easily I am happy about this. 10/10 buy again!”

7. Reef Repair

Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen is SPF 30+ is an all-natural, biodegradable sun cream, that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Priced at $17.95 for 4 fl. oz., this water-resistant formula moisturizes while being coral-friendly.

Tara said, “I am extremely sun sensitive and must have high sun protection. This worked and I felt like I was helping the environment, the fishies, and the coral.”

8. Badger Adventure

Badger Mineral Sunscreen is SPF 50 and offers zinc oxide protection with 98% organic ingredients, catering to adventurers with its reef-safe, hypoallergenic, and unscented formulation. It is priced at $16.99 for 2.9 fl oz.

Cole said, “So, I’ve been trying out this sunscreen for a bit now, and here’s the scoop. It’s thick and kinda tricky to blend into your skin without leaving you looking a bit ghostly at first, but it does its job of protecting against the sun, which is what matters at the end of the day. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a bit of a workout rubbing in your sunscreen, and you’re after something that’s kind to the environment (reef-safe, yay!), this might be up your alley. The small size is a bit of a bummer, especially if you’re using it regularly or for your whole fam. And it can leave your skin feeling a tad greasy, so if you’ve got oily or combo skin, it’s something to think about. Overall, it’s a decent option.”

9. Coral Isles

Coral Isles Sunscreen is SPF 50, compliant with Hawaii’s reef safety standards, and presents a fragrance-free, octinoxate, and oxybenzone-free formula, ensuring broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Priced at $18.99 for 6 fl oz., this water-resistant lotion offers 80 minutes of sun defense.

Rochelle said, “I recently went on a Caribbean cruise and needed some heavy-duty Sunscreen that would be safe for the aquatic life I’d be visiting. This is coral-safe and the 50 spf is top-notch. I’m very pleased that not only did it work but it was safe for our ocean.”

10. Kokua Sun Care

Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Lotion is a Hawaiian reef-safe sunscreen featuring non-nano zinc oxide, moisturizing the skin with its natural vegan formula. It is cruelty-free and costs $29.99.

Jones said, “I’m from the beautiful island of Oahu but met my husband in CONUS. He is almost 100% Irish. When I took him home to visit my family, I was concerned that he would get burned. I was also concerned that I would get a bit burned after not going home for several years.

Spoiler: neither of us were burned. AT ALL. And it’s all thanks to Kokua Skin Care. My husband applied it each morning and, as long as he didn’t go swimming or sweat a ton, he didn’t have to reapply. The only time we ever reapplied was after being in the water.

I also want to mention that I DESPISE putting products on my skin because it’s usually oily and leaves a residue. This did not. Kokua did a fantastic job creating a product for those of us with texture issues.

Lastly (and arguably most importantly): this sunscreen is REEF SAFE. This was the primary reason I purchased this. It’s pricy but worth it. Treat yourself and the environment to healthy ingredients and happiness.”

When protecting your skin, your choices ripple far beyond your own body. By opting for reef-safe sunscreens, we contribute to preserving vibrant marine ecosystems. As awareness grows and consumers demand eco-friendly alternatives, the future of our oceans looks brighter!

Related Content:

• 5 Natural and Vegan Sunscreens for Summer
• 8 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid, According to Experts
• Sunscreens: Toxic Chemicals to Look For and Safer Alternatives
• Florida Is Home to the 3rd Largest Coral Reef in the World – Let’s Help Protect It by Banning Harmful Sunscreens

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